Sales were up slightly in Shell Knob, Missouri last month.    Twelve Homes were closed.  Ten were in  Shell Knob, and two in Eagle Rock.  The average sales price climbed to $159,250, which is $16,644 higher than April's average sales of $142,606.       Winter tends to have fewer sellers listing  lake property, which  led to a stagnant  inventory.  However, now that the summer season has started, a wide variety of properties are being listed.  The past three months  51 homes have came on the market.     CALL JOAN FOR INFORMATION ON TABLEROCK LAKE AND SHELL KNOB.  417-858-2209     06/02/2008

NEW DANGER DISCLOSED   Reviewing the Seller's Disclosure Statement, which is a six page document in Missouri, I always pay attention to the Hazardous Substances portion.  This covers Lead, Asbestos, Mold, Radon and Methampetamine.  Quite frankly, dealing with substantial middle class sellers, I have yet to see anyone check the Meth box.  I know it is a problem everywhere, and Shell Knob, MO is not exempt from individuals involved in this nasty drug, but now we apparently have to be aware of a severe danger at our bbq grills! According to State Representative, David Sater, Meth cooks are stealing portable propane tanks from refill stations such as Wal-Mart and Krogers, emptying the propane and refilling them with anhydrous amonia, which they need to make meth.  So how does that affect us... 05/31/2008

DO YOU BARGAIN WITH GOD? Have you ever prayed for a sale?  I have.  I've asked the Lord to send me a serious buyer, as I'm driving  to the office in Shell Knob for floor time. There is also my twice daily prayer for my big listing just outside Shell Knob, which I have to drive by twice daily.  I am calling it sold, and thanking the Lord for the sale.  No - I'm not planting statues of St. Joseph - but obviously some people are, if I find ads for the statues in my real estate magazine! Prayer has been on my mind lately.  I came across a new thought from a book I'm using in my daily quiet time," 31 Days of Praise".  It is in the concluding, daily prayer they suggest, in which you cover most of the parts of your life, that the final portion stuck out.  It is something that I've NEVER prayed... 05/25/2008

The advent of  HGTV shows seems to have had an effect on  home buyers, and made a mark on me, as a sales agent in Shell Knob, MO. Perhaps I'm unimaginative by nature, but I used to look at a 3 bed, 2 bath home as just that - a 3 bed - 2 bath.  Now I find myself with new eyes , suggesting that buyers consider knocking that wall out and moving a door, etc.   My last sale had small bedrooms, and I suggested  the buyer  convert the living room, which faced the lake, into their master bedroom.  The change delighted them, as the home already had a great room.   New eyes also views some homes with a critical eye - wishing that the sellers would employ a Stager before trying to market their property.  Here are a couple of examples.  What do you think?  Could these homes have used some help?    ... 05/22/2008

    Somehow I doubt that  pictures helped  to sell these homes                    This is how the pictures were shown in our    multiple listing.  I have to wonder if they were indicative of the way the agents handled the entire listing process.  May be a reason the homes didn't sell?   CALL JOAN FOR INFORMATION ON SHELL KNOB AND TABLE ROCK LAKE HOMES  417-858-2209 TRI-LAKES REALTORS  417-858-3344 05/20/2008

 Brick and stone 2 level lakeview home in The Bluffs, a beautiful subdivision. ICF construction (insulated concrete forms).  All main level living, 3 bedroom and bonus room, 2.5 bath - 10 ft ceilings. Open living, dining. Elaborate massive oak beams, knotty pine cathedral ceilings. Butlers pantry. The King BBQ on the patio. Fully fenced back yard. All upscale brick & stone home with great tasting water, a central sewer system and underground utilities. You must see this beautiful home. Old English Style Manor   $ 299,900 The exterior is brick & stone - attractive additions of stone, shutters, and unusual features give the home an Old World appearance. Main level living & a large awning covered patio with the King of BBQ's, A dining room for extended outdoor entertainment. Large kitchen ... 05/16/2008

Gorgeous view of Table Rock Lake! A 10x24 boat slip with lift & locker available. All brick home - 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car garage. Corner lot in The Bluffs - a small subdivision of gentle winding streets and beautiful (all brick) homes, within walking distance or a golf cart ride into town. The property is beautifully landscaped, the home is lovingly maintained with many unique features. 3 fireplaces, wet bar, workshop, superior "Heartland" stainless steel appliances. A must see!   $ 399,000 A court yard at the entry, and a raised deck plus lower patio at the back which offers an amazing view of Table Rock Lake & the Ozark Mountains. Main level living (3 bedrooms, living, dining, 2.5 baths, laundry)  The lower level (walkout) with family room, game room & unique wet bar, sewing roo... 05/16/2008

Fish are still biting around Shell Knob, despite the fluctuating water levels with the spring flooding, reports Dennis Hamer.  Table Rock Lake temperatures are in the low 60's.    Hamer says the Black bass and White bass fishing is still pretty good.  Most of the fish are being caught in the 12 - 20 ft range on pea gravel banks near spawning areas.  The   bass are staging to spawn on the points.  It would be wise to work both sides of the points before going into coves. Table Rock is still high at 929' and is not expected to  return to  normal pool until possibly the end of June. CALL JOAN FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON REAL ESTATE OR LAKE CONDITIONS.  417-858-2209 05/15/2008

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT   Say your phone's not ringing?  Ads generating no interest in that fantastic new listing that has just been sitting there with zero showings?  Maybe you need to stir up your imagination, as two of our REALTORS have recently in Shell Knob, MO   First a little background on our part of the Ozarks - March and April have given us record rains.  All of our lakes are at flood stage and seem to be destined to remain there until summer.  This means that many residents and tourists can't get to their boats because the docks are sitting away from the shore.   One subdivision has had the only road into it submerged for several weeks.  That means getting all supplies, etc. by boat.  And of course, all the properties for sale in that area are unable to be shown.  Here is where ... 05/09/2008

TURTLE CROSSING QUESTION - WHY?    It's springtime in the Ozarks, and one of our many signs of spring are  turtles on the roads.  Scientists can't seem to agree on WHY they cross the road at this time of year.  Probably one of natures strongest drives - food or sex.    When we first relocated to  Shell Knob from the north, I was facinated by these determined little guys, and concerned for their welfare, so I wanted to stop and move them off the road. Probably better to just slow down and give them more room.   The Conservation Department suggests that if you do move them, be sure to put them on the side that they were heading for, otherwise, they will repeat their actions and be right back in the middle of the road again.  Don't take them home for the kids.  They will not do well out of... 05/07/2008

HERE WE GROW AGAINThe State of Missouri Office of Administration released figures that predicts Barry County population will have increased 3,000 by 2010 to 37,072.                                           Most of Shell Knob is in Barry County.The biggest percentage of growth in southwest Missouri, is found in Stone and Taney Counties.  The numbers reflect the continuing appeal of the Ozarks for second homes and retirement on Table Rock Lake. Stone County, covers part of Shell Knob, Cape Fair, Lampe, and Kimberling City.  It is predicted to go from 28,650 in 2000, to 32,994 by the next census in 2010.CALL JOAN FOR AREA REAL ESTATE INFORMATION - 417-858-2209TRI-LAKES REALTORS 417-858-3344 05/02/2008

AND THE BEAT GOES ONApril did not meet expectations for jumping into a busy spring lake sales season for  Shell Knob, MO.Normally, April would signal the start of fishing tournaments, and trigger buyer's interest in finding the lake home they want on Table Rock Lake.  However, the Ozarks was pummeled with extreme amounts of rain, which resulted in several areas experiencing flooding.  The Corps of Engineers, who operate the dams for the chain of reservoirs, has had to keep the water levels at record highs, to prevent more flooding downstream.  The rains and flooding, coupled with the housing and economic downturn, seem to be making their presence known in Shell Knob.  There were 10 homes closed in April, dittoing March's numbers.   Only one sale was over $300,000 -  Giving the  average ... 05/01/2008

 Can someone explain how Craigslist generates so much traffic?  I had read comments here on AR about Craigslist, but easily discounted them as more trouble than it was worth.   However, at the encouragement of others in Shell Knob, I finally got with the program and put my listings on Postlets and Craigslist.    Boy, was I wrong!   I had seven inquiries in the first 24 hours after listing!  My question for you Craigslist participants, is how many of your leads do you actually convert and can prove, to Craigslist? I had been receiving one or two leads a week from AR, and can attribute 4 or 5 sales last year to it, but the AR leads have been non existent this spring.  It could be attributed to our flood problems here in the Ozarks, or the constant drum beat of the media on recession and h... 04/26/2008

AREA RESIDENT DISCOUNTS It's springtime in the Ozarks and that means it's time for us Shell Knob residents to take advantage of the discounts we're offered on Branson shows.  In the spring, and again in late summer, many of the theatres and shows offer what is called "Area Resident Appreciation Shows" - in other words - 'Discounts'.  A great example is for the Andy Williams Show.  Residents only pay $5.00 until the end of April!  Folks, it doesn't get much better than this!      FOR ADDITIONAL AREA OR REAL ESTATE INFORMATION, CALL JOAN  888-823-4125 04/26/2008

  Shell Knob, Missouri recently had it's annual Home Show. My company, Tri-Lakes REALTORS, participated. It was great. Being a small, almost rural area, we don't have a big exhibition center. The show takes place each year in the elementary school gym.   We are a retirement and second home area, centering around activities on Table rock Lake. You meet and greet friends, neighbors, past clients and competitors. Hand out fly swatters, ballpoint pens, and our new way to get our business cards into potential buyers or sellers hands, a hand-made flower seed packet with our cards stapled on each one. The question is, do Trade Shows sell homes? Does participating in one get you new clients? Will the ballpoint pen with your vital stats on it get you a new listing? Inquiring minds would like to ... 04/20/2008

FLOODS AND FISHINGRecent heavy rains and floods have kept spring fishing at bay on Table Rock Lake, Shell Knob, MO  Nothing can keep a fisherman's spirit down when spring spawn is on however, and the bass boats are literally flying by as I write.  One of the biggest problems for anglers since the flooding is getting to the dock without having to swim out to  their boats.  The lake rose higher than most docks were set for.  So the docks are surrounded by water.  Many marinas transport their clients to the dock via a smaller craft. We've had two nice days in the 70's and the record high of 933' on Table Rock is gradually going down.  Some parts of the lake  still have debris and brown water, but the major channels look good.  Boaters are still cautioned to be alert to floating hazards fro... 04/17/2008

 PASSION PLAY TO EMPHASIZE MIRACLESEureka Springs, Arkansas is only a short drive from Shell Knob, MO.  Besides providing unique and interesting shops and restaurants, it is the home of THE PASSION PLAY. To celebrate it's 40th Anniversary, which more than 7.4 million people have attended on its huge outdoor stage, they have announced revamping the play. The NEW GREAT PASSION PLAY will reflect parables and text from different gospels in The New Testament, focusing more on miracles Christ performed in the days before his crucifixion and the days before his ascension. Performances will still include more than 150 actors and live animals on the 550-foot stage, but more than 90 percent of the scenes are new.  The play opens May 2 and runs through October 25.    CALL JOAN FOR AREA REAL  ESTAT... 04/07/2008

SECOND HOMES AND RETIREE'S MARKETMarch, 2008 saw an increase in home sales in Shell Knob, MO, often called the 'Quiet Side of the Lake'.  There were 10 homes closed in March, for an average sales price of $148,700.  This compares to the 8 residences closed in February that had an average sales price of $101,549. Reflecting an increase in the second home market.   FIRST QUARTER Year to date, this part of Table Rock Lake's real estate sales has had a slow, but steady increase.  During the first quarter of 2008, 31 single family homes were sold and closed.Shell Knob's real estate companies are reporting phones getting busier and they are seeing more potential clients coming in for lake property information.   LIST YOUR HOME WITH JOAN        417-858-2209TRI-LAKES, REALTORS                  ... 04/01/2008

CONSERVATION OFFICE ISSUES 'FISHING PROSPECTS BOOK'Missouri's Conservation Department knows that when anglers aren't fishing, most of them are either thinking or reading about fishing. Does this describe you?  Then you should get the "2008 Fishing Prospects at Selected Missouri Lakes & Streams" publication.   It's a 47 page booklet providing a compilation of reports detailing the fishing prospects at some of the larger lakes and streams in the state. The "Fishing Prospects" book holds reports on 72 lakes, 36 river locations and the four trout parks.  Best of all..... it's FREE!  You can get a copy at any conservation office, or check it out on line at the Department of Conservation's website, www.missouriconservation.org.  03/31/2008

Table Rock Lake Shoreline Cleanup postponed -  rescheduled for May 3Due to the unprecedented amount of rain we have had in the Ozarks recently, lake levels have risen greatly and have covered most of the shoreline around Table Rock Lake. The major Table Rock Lake Shoreline Cleanup date is therefore postponed. Instead of taking place April 5, it is scheduled for May 3.  Shell Knob area residents can pick up their supplies at the Chamber Office.  People can still clean up areas of the shoreline anytime, and place the orange trash bags in any of the Corps of Engineers park dumpsters. However, the Mill Creek, Old Hwy 86, Baxter and Viola parks will not be opened until May 1 due to high water. The 13 large roll-off dumpsters that are normally placed around the lake for larger trash will not ... 03/31/2008